As an artist, I recognize my world and the many hours I spend on administrivia. The constant disruption of non-stop tasks is troublesome but necessary. I schedule my creativity in between the repetitive tasks and hope there is enough time to finish what delights me.
Apart from the creativity and the operation of a business, it’s meaningful for me to have my published books acquired by collections. How do you manage this part of your art world? How do you create opportunities to sell? Communicating and visiting libraries is all part of the fun side of the territory. The artist is likely the optimum person to talk, explain or promote hers/his work. The creator knows all the details, the frustrations, and the stories behind the wonderful final product—the artists’ book.
I benefited from the privilege of engaging with other dealers in the past. I still pursue an excellent relationship with Vamp & Tramp, Booksellers, LLC out of Birmingham, Alabama.
I discovered that presenting your work is a bit of an adventure. I enjoy seeing the expression of someone reading/viewing my book for the first time. Since some of my books exhibit a playful aspect, the smiles and laughter are inspiring. Traveling and meeting with librarians in the previous year contributed to my self-reflection and recognition of who I am as an artist.
In the Spring, I reached out to Katherine Krzys, Archivist, Interim Head of Distinctive Collections Curator at the Arizona State University Library. The artists’ book collection includes small-print publications created as works of art, exemplifying the importance of collaboration between a writer, artist, papermaker, and printer. Katherine was interested in Entre deux and La Guadalupe and purchased both for the Rare Books and Manuscripts Library. deux and La Guadalupe and purchased both for the Rare Books and Manuscripts Library.
© 2013 Louise Levergneux, Entre deux
© 2013 Louise Levergneux, Entre deux
© 2013 Louise Levergneux, La Guadalupe
© 2013 Louise Levergneux, La Guadalupe
© 2018 Louise Levergneux, Vernon Alden Library, Ohio UNiversity in Athens, Ohio
In June, I visited with Michele Jennings at the Vernon Alden Library of the Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. I was fascinated by what books attracted Michele. I received an email just the other day that Michelle was interested in adding 26NOV2006 to the Arts and Archives Library collection.
© 2008 Louise Levergneux, 26NOV2006
© 2008 Louise Levergneux, 26NOV2006
I communicated with Jessy Randall, Curator, and Archivist of The Tutt Library of the Colorado College in Colorado Springs. The library maintains collections of rare books, special editions, manuscripts, and published archival material on Colorado. Two volumes of City Shields that include manhole covers around Denver, Vail, Highlands Ranch, and Colorado Springs were added to Special Collections.
© 2018 Louise Levergneux, Tutt Library at the Colorado College in Colorado Springs
© 2016 Louise Levergneux, City Shields, Colorado volume 1
© 2016 Louise Levergneux, City Shields, Colorado volume 2
At the beginning of July, I met with Holly Prochaska, MLIS Preservation Librarian of The Robert A Deshon & Karl J Schlachter Library for Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning at the University of Cincinnati. The DAAP Library acquires examples of works in order to provide a rounded view of contemporary attitudes towards the book and to inspire students to think outside the book. Holly is a welcoming individual who also creates artists’ books. In the end, Holly purchased Xtraction and City Shields—the nine Ohio volumes for the Special Collection.
© 2018 Louise Levergneux, an exhibition of globes at The Robert A Deshon & Karl J Schlachter Library for Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning at the University of Cincinnati
© 2018 Louise Levergneux, display of artists' books at the DAAP Library of the University of Cincinnati. A book by JoAnna Poehlmann attracted me with its delicate detail of a tulip, just gorgeous! On the last shelf is the Bon Bon Mots of Julie Chen.
© 2016 Louise Levergneux, Xtraction
© 2016 Louise Levergneux, Xtraction
© 2006 Louise Levergneux, City Shields, Ohio volume No 5
Excited when reading obsession, Holly decided to add a copy for her own personal collection.
© 2012 Louise Levergneux, obsession
© 2012 Louise Levergneux, obsession
One can never expect to land a sale while visiting a library; but I have been surprised at the response to my publications.
Enjoy your visit and contacts when you can, since it is the best part of the business of art, apart from creating your work.
